SBI of Reactor & Waste Systems (incorporating nominated site inspector handover)

• Site: Dungeness A
• IR number: 19-079
• Date: August 2019
• LC numbers: 10, 28, 34

Executive summary

Purpose of Intervention

This was one of a series of planned Licence Condition (LC) compliance inspections of the Dungeness A Site for 2019/20.

The aims of the inspection were to:

• Assess the adequacy of the measures being taken to reduce the risk from the ageing reactor systems (boilers, steam and feed pipework, gas circulators and associated civil structures).
• Asses the adequacy of the Wet Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) systems.

Interventions Carried Out by ONR

I carried out reactor plant and waste handling related inspections, including discussions with ML staff and contractors. 

I also undertook meetings with the safety representatives and the site Lead Team.

Explanation of Judgement if Safety System Not Judged to be Adequate

N/A

Key Findings, Inspector's Opinions and Reasons for Judgements Made

From the evidence examined during the inspection I judged that the licensee’s implementation of its arrangements for LC’s 10, 28 & 34 is adequate.

Minor safety issues were identified during the inspection, improvements will be monitored through regular regulatory interventions.

Conclusion of Intervention

The measures being taken to reduce the risk from the ageing reactor systems are adequate in the short-term.  However, ONR supports the proposal to accelerate the removal of the boilers in the medium-term.

Based on observations made during the inspection I judged that the systems installed for the removal and transfer to storage containers of the Wet ILW are adequate.